Discover the fine handmade crafts and freshest local produce at one of Tasmania's newest attractions on the scene – the Kingston Beach Handmade Market (KBHM).

The market, located at the Kingston Beach Hall in southern Tasmania, is only a "five minute walk from sand and surf" drawing together a mix of designers, local artists, craftspeoples and growers.

It's a short drive from the island's capital of Hobart, providing the perfect location for a family day out.

Explore a number of stalls to make some great discoveries including handmade toys, artwork, body products, homeware, jewellery, native plants, jams and preserves, stationery, children's clothing, gourmet food and more!

Buskers and performers also provide entertainment throughout the day with free parking available nearby.

The markets take place on the second Sunday of the month from 10:00 am to 3.00 pm, so follow the dates February 10, March 10, April 13 and May 12.

In these market days you can expect to see creations from Dog House Bakery – treats for your furry friend – Izumi Woolworks, Picture It Portraiture, The Yum Yum Van, Flowerpot Quilts, Little Paper Parties, Red Parka Designs and DeEmDe Trends and more!

There can be no stronger set of images than those which were broadcast around the world by media in the past week. Amplified by the internet they have been automatically viral in their spread – much like characteristics of the bush fires themselves.

We will never forget the results of a horrific fire which so cruelly damaged the small settlement of Dunalley. Any fire which burned as this one did was going to have its victims and its heroes. There has been major local damage to property, the school, homes, businesses, farms … and the tale of the Holmes family and their horror (and escape) by taking to the water, all define how Dunalley and the nearby area was set upon.
We could not have asked for more noble and eloquent spokespersons when they told their remarkable story.
Businesses too like the crayfish (lobster) tank farm with a million dollar harvest ready for the approaching Chinese New Year; destroyed in an instant. Luckily however there have been no recorded fatalities.

One of the best visitor experiences Tasmania offers, is its people … their natural warmth and empathy in a place which does not have the need for a frantic pace of life. Tasmanians are friendly, laid back and very much aware of the need to share this fantastic place. They know how special it is. That is also DiscoverTasmania’s purpose.

Tasmania’s situation emerged at the same time as one involving an unseasonably early set of fires in mainland Australia with New South Wales and Victoria having outbreaks of an alarming scale. The result not unpredictably in the world media, saw the whole story as ‘Tasmania’ and ‘Australia’ burning.

Luckily whilst there was an outbreak of fires at the same time (not unusual in an Australian context), they were very specific in their location. Port Arthur and the whole Tasman Peninsula was suddenly unreachable – reinforcing how strategically placed the former convict settlement was for its original purpose … incarceration at a distance from main population centres.

The community at Nubeena, the site itself, another on the East Coast near Bicheno, in the Derwent Valley near Russell Falls and at one small beachside settlement on the North West Coast near Wynyard have pulled together to support fire fighters and emergency crews. The community facebook page (Tassie-Fires-We-Can-Help) took pressure off formal channels by putting ‘people in touch with people’ … it was a classic Social Media success story. Our tourism industry has been amazing in rescheduling and accommodating some folk who had their plans disrupted.
And yet, there were other visitors who were not even aware of the bush fire situation and whose whole holiday/vacation around Tasmania, went ahead unimpeded.
Someone has asked – what is a comparison with other places in the world? What if you were journeying to a visitor attraction and were stopped on the way?

In the UK, the best example we can think of is Stonehenge – but the road has been blocked at a small town like Weyhill in Hampshire, as you came along the A303 to the Salisbury Plains. Pretend there are no other options to get back from your destination; you and two thousand others have to make do (without power) at Thruxton Aerodrome.

In the USA, perhaps it is in Maine. It is summer and you are heading for a lobsterfest at Rockland. On the way you pass through Warren and then can’t get through or back to where you have come from.

That was Port Arthur for almost a week.

Elsewhere in Tasmania, life and our welcome to tourists continued almost as normal. Except a large number of people pulled together and assisted visitors and locals who were caught in a set of circumstances they had little control over.

That was the week. We have told this story through facebook, tumblr, and twitter. We thank you for the enormous number of supportive messages. Tasmania is touched. We are touched. One more thing to do?

Summer is a great time to make a visit to Tasmania, with a number of fabulous festivals and events showcasing the island's local produce, art and entertainment.

One of Tasmania's "premier summer events", Festivale, is coming to Launceston's charming City Park.

This three-day festival of wine, beer, arts and entertainment is an annual event, attracting crowds of around 35,000.

The event originally emerged as a "multi-cultural street party" in 1988 but has developed into a staple and iconic Tasmanian event, drawing people to the island state.

Festivale will be held from Friday February 8 to Sunday February 10, giving visitors a special taste of what Tasmania has to offer including its world-class cool climate wines, fresh produce and fantastic crafts.

A Master Class Series 'From Hops to Vines' will also be at the festival from February 9 to 10, sharing knowledge of Tasmanian beer, wine and cheese in a relaxed and informative setting led by a spectacular lineup of the island's leading brewers and industry experts.

Tickets for the Master Class Series are now on sale from the Launceston Travel and Information Centre.

Festivale tickets are also available from Launceston Travel and Information Centre with adults $20 for Friday and Saturday, $15 for Sunday and children under 14 free when accompanied by an adult.

There continues to be massive support from all over the world, which is really appreciated, but we would still like to see you here on holiday too. We are not closed.

Last Friday we watched in horror at the unfolding situation in Dunalley and the well-publicised effect that fire has had on the Tasman Peninsula. There has been major disruption to activities in that area, and visitor access to Port Arthur and the surrounding towns and attractions is not expected to open for perhaps a few days yet.

We also witnessed other localised fires near Bicheno on the East Coast and the precautionary closure of the road – for a time – to Coles Bay. Thankfully that has now been contained and has returned to normal. An area near Wynyard was similarly affected yesterday but has also been stabilised.

While it may seem so, the fires are NOT affecting the whole state and Tasmania is very much open for visitors. Our airports are open and the airlines and ferries are operating. Accommodation providers, attractions and tours and restaurants in all unaffected areas continue to welcome national and international visitors and even with a busy summer season there is accommodation available in most parts of the state.

If you already have bookings in place it is best to re-confirm with the provider (or agent) and if necessary make alternative arrangements to visit another area of the state.

Visitors already here with forward travel plans as well as those planning to visit can also contact one of the Tasmanian Visitor Centres for information (1800 990 440), or visit www.discovertasmania.com.

During this time we advise that whilst traveling, you should regularly report in with friends and relatives to let them know of your whereabouts. There are some remote areas of Tasmania you may wish to visit and full mobile phone coverage is not always available. Be aware of this and always let people know your travel plans in advance.

Tasmania’s Department of Premier and Cabinet continue to offer a ‘catch-all’ site for all questions and notices – it is useful for both locals and visitors.www.dpac.tas.gov.au/bushfires

The Tamar Valley Folk Festival has been drawing in visitors from all around the country for over 20 years, returning again this year for three days of entertainment, fun and food from Friday January 18 to Sunday January 20.

This major cultural event is held in northern Tasmania's George Town and is renowned for its "high reputation" as a music and arts festival, and is part of Australia's National Folk Festival calendar.

A lively lineup of entertainment and events makes up the festival, with concerts, music sessions, poetry, dance and children's activities.

The Tamar Valley Folk Festival kicks off on Friday afternoon with a children's show – Camping, Creeks and Frogs – allowing kids to take an adventure with Jack and Molly as they embark on their camping trip.

A welcome concert will then get things going in the evening at the RSL Club featuring acoustic band Sea Grass, contemporary folk duo Joe & Katie, Queensland Celtic group Sunas and acoustic folk-blues musician Leigh Sloggett among a number of other fine artists.

Saturday's program is stacked with activities, with the Music in the Street event commencing from 10:00 to noon, with performers in and around Macquarie Street's cafes and shops.

Among other activities on Saturday are children's storytelling with Andrew McKenna, a guitar workshop with Nick Charles, the Diner's Concert at Pier Hotel featuring Joe & Katie, Bob Sharp and Leigh Sloggett, an Acoustic Chalkboard Concert with Mick Flanagan and more!

The final day of the folk festival will begin with a Poet's Breakfast led by Skreitch Leitch at the Memorial Hall, then a themed concert, Shape Notes to Gospel: The Story of Southern Quartet Singing, at 10:00, drama games and bluegrass fiddle workshops around midday and a farewell concert featuring Rebecca Moore, The Craggs and more at 13:30.

Weekend tickets are $70 (concession $65), Saturday tickets are $40 (concession $35) and tickets for Sunday are $30 (concession $25). You can purchase your festival passes from the George Town Memorial Hall office.

This summer you can try some sausages that are a little different from what you normally spot in supermarkets, with Silver Hill Fisch specialising in making their own unique seafood sausages!

Based in the picturesque Huon Valley in Cygnet, Silver Hill Fisch was founded in 2010 by Maja Veit, who worked at various outlets around Hobart in the seafood industry.

Holding over ten years of experience in helping her parents with their Silver Hill Bratwurst stall at the Salamanca Markets and based on customer feedback, Maja created a seafood sausage which won a silver medal at the 2010 Fine Food Awards.

The seafood sausages, made "solely" from whole Tasmanian ingredients that are preservative and gluten free, then went on to win the Best New Entry at the 2011 Taste Festival.

There are currently five varieties of seafood sausages available including myrtle salmon (the original Silver Hill Fisch salmon sausage), dill ocean trout, cajun ocean trout, wasabi salmon and chilli salmon.

There is also one smoked seafood pate available, the salmon pate, perfect as a dip or as a spread on crackers.

You can try the Silver Hill Fisch seafood sausages yourself at the Taste Festival from December 28 to January 3 or the Cygnet Folk Festival from January 11 to 13.

Take a refreshing break from the sweltering heat this summer, by seeking some rejuvenating beverages at the Richmond Tasting House.

Located in the heart of Richmond Village in southern Tasmania, the tasting house offers local produce, whiskies and a selection of the island's signature cool-climate wines.

Pick up fruit liqueurs and wines, vodka, rum and brandy, fudges, honey and more foods and beverages made on the island.

Take the opportunity to also go on a full-day Coal River Valley Wine Tour!

Beginning at 10:00, guests will visit at least four cellar doors with lunch also included at a vineyard or one of Richmond's fantastic eateries.

Along with numerous wine tastings, you can also expect to have a nibble on a selection of Tasmanian cheeses to compliment your chosen beverage.

A number of free tastings will also take place during the festive season, from 12:00 to 15:00 outside the Richmond Tasting House.

Visitors will be able to try award-winning boutique wines from Bream Creek Vineyard, artisan cheeses from new manufacturer Red Cow Dairy and a sip of whisky, gin and vodka from McHenry & Sons Distillery on December 27.